Filippo Preziosi Resigns from Ducati Motor Holding

Following 19 years in various positions at Ducati Motor Holding, Filippo Preziosi has resigned due to health reasons.

Ducati says: “Declaring reasons of poor health related to his particular physical condition, Preziosi’s resignation was accepted by Ducati, saddened and disappointed to lose such an accomplished and strategic member of staff.

“The company respectfully acknowledges the 45-year old Italian’s decision and thanks him for his significant contribution during his 19 years with Ducati, 12 of which were within Ducati Corse.”

Preziosi’s health woes began in 2000 following a motorcycle crash in Africa. Due to the severity of the wreck, Preziosi lost use of both legs and since had to rely on a wheelchair for mobility.

He joined Ducati in 1994, overseeing the development of Ducati Desmosedici and coordinating groups that developed the engines for the 996 and 998 superbikes. Preziosi then joined Ducati Corse in 2003, overseeing racing activities as Technical Director and then General Manager.

While Preziosi was with Corse operations, the Ducati MotoGP team produced a MotoGP title – Casey Stoner in 2007 (on 800cc machinery). The last two years were anything but satisfying, though, the team struggling even with talent like 2006 MotoGP Champion Nicky Hayden and nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi at the controls.

But in November, Preziosi’s time was up as General Manager. Taking the role from 2013-on will be Bernhard Gobmeier, with Preziosi excepting the role as Director of R&D at Ducati Motor Holding. He was expected to start the new R&D role after a rest, but decided due to health reasons to resign from Ducati.

Ducati says it will report shortly on who will fill the vacancy left by Preziosi.